The trip of life begins with a feeling of immortality, permanence; we are invincible! There is so much to experience and conquer; we tackle life with energy and an exuberance to live it fully! Dreams are abundant; goals and desires are raging wildfires. We will live forever! Oh, sure, we notice some older people out there, but that will never be us! The ripe old age of thirty, or even the ancient age of fifty, cannot be comprehended and is completely out of realization.
When I was 20, I was very curious about sex and men. Doubts about beauty or desirability were non-existent. Strutting my stuff in a bikini was exciting, and the joy of a perfect body was mine!
Much too quickly, I found that 30 isn't really old! Desires and interests in sexual experimentation and variety were very important. The art of love-making techniques were of utmost importance. The skin was firm, the body healthy, and the mind strong. The brain was sharp, learning was easy. Career, promotions, climbing the corporate ladder provided lifestyle enhancements. Why did I ever think 30 was old?
Menopause usually begins during the late thirties or early forties. I began experiencing symptoms at about the age of 43. Restlessness and self-doubt triggered wanderlust (perhaps known as 'mid-life crisis'). Twinges of aging began to creep into my thoughts, thus creating a need to testify (to myself) that physical desirability remained. The body hinted of changes to come, crows feet around the eyes, smile lines, a shadow of marionette lines, and breasts seemed to be located a bit lower than I remembered! The menstrual cycle became irregular (heavier/lighter or longer/shorter). But, there are numerous products to preserve and prolong youth; Botox, skin tighteners, tummy tucks, laser surgery. No worries, professionals abound and everything can be fixed. Right?
I closed my eyes for a second, and I was 50! Perhaps I was mistaken, maybe labeling 50 as ancient was incorrect! Dreams, goals, and sexuality remained strong, experiencing the moment, and move on to conquer another conquest. Yes, that became the challenge of the day. Hormone replacement therapy, silicon, and plastic surgery, Oh My!
At the age of 55, menopausal symptoms were rearing its ugly head and looming on the horizon. Perky, firm breasts seemed to be soft and droopy! My address book included plastic surgeons, laser clinics, and physicians. The “Wonder Bra” has come to be a very good friend! One minute I'm on the top of the world, happy and alive; the next, I'm depressed and wallowing in a gutter. Days of depression, crying at the drop of a hat, low self-esteem, and doubts of self-worth become the norm. And, who the hell is that stranger staring back at me in the mirror? Sleepless nights, night sweats, and power surges (hot flashes) attack regularly. The beautiful, bouncy hair is losing its color and lustrous sheen. My face, once smooth and glowing, now resembles a road map; no longer line and wrinkle free. I'm questioning my sexuality, am I turning into my dad? Wild hair are sprouting on my chin!
And, Oh My God, 60 is knocking on the door, taunting that immortality is not to be! Although I'm still attractive, or so people say, the visions of beauty, vitality, and sexual desire are ebbing. Looking into the mirror has become a chore, not so rewarding anymore; more like a slap upside the head, a punishment. The facial skin is soft and lacks firmness and elasticity; the marionette look has won it's quest. Shadows of life events are tattooed on the face, happiness, sorrow, good times and bad times. Hot flashes, belly fat, mood swings, forgetfulness, and decreasing energy have become a way of life.
We have purchased and lathered beauty products loaded with chemicals, animal by-products, in the search for the Fountain of Youth! There are products to erase lines, exfoliate, tighten and brighten skin, lift eyelids, and pump up lips. Pills to relieve pep you up, slow you down, and ease menopause symptoms. Artificial nails and eyelashes, color, tone, and enhance! Body soap, gel, cream, power and perfume. It's not your grandmother's world anymore .... when what you got is what you got; live with it!
Be pro-active when dealing with, the dreaded, advancing age scenario. Wonderful, almost magical supplements are available. I know, because I've supplemented the multi-billion dollar cosmetic and skin care industry! Some work, some don't. But, we certainly do have choices that were unheard of and unavailable a few short years ago.
We can choose to transition to a healthy, strong, intelligent and mature woman with the assistance of natural or chemical formulations. Okay, so maybe you can't fool Mother Nature, but I choose to fight it all the way! Enjoy the ride and celebrate your sexuality!
